Venture on Virtual Reality Explorations, Marvel at Inspiring Films and Go Behind the Scenes this Fall/Winter at National Geographic: Introducing Washington D.C.’s first theater equipped for a shared virtual reality experience

National Geographic’s fall/winter 2018-19 live event lineup transports audiences from Washington, D.C., to the most remote areas of Africa, the deepest yet-to-be explored parts of our ocean, the deserts of ancient Egypt and the hoodoos of Bears Ears National Monument. This season offers inspiring film screenings and talks, interactive happy hours with National Geographic Explorers,...

September 6, 2018

National Geographic’s fall/winter 2018-19 live event lineup transports audiences from Washington, D.C., to the most remote areas of Africa, the deepest yet-to-be explored parts of our ocean, the deserts of ancient Egypt and the hoodoos of Bears Ears National Monument. This season offers inspiring film screenings and talks, interactive happy hours with National Geographic Explorers, engaging behind-the-scenes tours and the premiere of our one-of-a-kind virtual reality explorations.

Hear from renowned photojournalists, conservationists and storytellers like Daniella Zalcman who uses her camera to help reframe Native American identities; Meg Lowman, a.k.a “Canopy Meg,” who spends her life in the treetops helping influence forest conservation; and National Geographic Editor in Chief Susan Goldberg, the first woman to edit the magazine since its founding in 1888. Get insights into the human journey as renowned scientists including Robert Ballard explore our ocean in an effort to unlock mysteries, including whether we are alone in the universe; and journey to an excavation site in Israel’s Galilee, where archaeologist Jodi Magness reveals a fifth-century synagogue paved with stunning mosaics. Here is a look at some of the season’s highlights:

Introducing the Virtual Reality Exploration Series! Travel to the Earth’s most extraordinary places without ever leaving D.C. through the innovative virtual reality explorations led by National Geographic Explorers and photographers. Experience what it is like to be National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen as he takes guests on a 360-degree journey through Antarctica’s frozen vastness, including a dramatic encounter with a leopard seal. And embark on a tour into Bears Ears National Monument with National Geographic photographer Aaron Huey, where 360 footage reveals the beauty of a sacred place revered by its indigenous people.

View daring adventures with film screenings of bold Explorers traveling down the Okavango Delta and up Yosemite’s 3,000-foot El Capitan peak. Climb alongside Alex Honnold as he makes the first-ever free solo ascent up El Capitan in Free Solo [SOLD OUT]. Honnold will be joined by National Geographic photographer Jimmy Chin, who filmed the impressive climb with documentary filmmaker E. Chai Vasarhelyi, for a special advance film screening and behind-the-scenes discussion. The journey continues by setting off Into the Okavango on a four-month, 1,500-mile expedition across three African countries to save the river system that feeds the Okavango Delta, one of our planet’s last truly wild wetlands. The adventure doesn’t stop there! Back by popular demand will be the Banff Mountain Film Festival, featuring some of the world’s top films on the great outdoors and mountain culture.

Celebrate women pushing boundaries with Egyptologist Kara Cooney who will share the stories of six powerful pharaohs in her live talk, When Women Ruled the World. Cooney will talk about her new book and offer insight on perceptions of women in power today, just in time for the National Geographic Museum’s upcoming exhibition The Queens of Egypt opening March 1, 2019. And, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, hear from Sandhya Narayanan, Ella Al-Shamahi and Katy Croff Bell, National Geographic Explorers who are doing their part to Expand the Fieldby building diverse communities of innovators and inspiring future generations of changemakers.

Nat Geo Nights keeps the adventure going every third Thursday of the month at the smartest happy hour in town! See the world From the Canopy as National Geographic Explorers share the extraordinary lengths they’ve gone to protect and research the amazing ecology of treetops. And, just in time for Halloween, descend into darkness at Into the Underworld as Explorers unearth secrets about the creatures and human remains buried in deep underground caves. Travel All Over the Map as Explorers share the unexpected stories behind maps across history and cultures. And, venture Inside Egypt, where determined Explorers are working tirelessly to conserve and preserve the country’s complex history and environment.

Savor the unique cuisine that David Fairchild — globe-trotting food explorer and member of National Geographic’s founding family — brought to the United States more than 100 years ago. At The Food Explorer: David Fairchild, an intimate group of diners will enjoy a multicourse dinner composed of avocados, dates and other fare that have contributed to the country’s culinary palate, which will be served with specially paired drinks. Author Daniel Stone will host the evening, and once guests have eaten their fill of the delicious meal, they’ll go home with a signed copy of Stone’s critically acclaimed book about Fairchild, “The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats.”

This season continues the legacy of creating a community of change — where visitors are given the opportunity to learn from inspiring Explorers and conservationists, to admire powerful and influential images, and to hear from fascinating storytellers who provide insights into unfamiliar yet significant parts of our world. View the full list of speakers and events here to plan your visit before the season ends on March 7, 2019.

About National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 14,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.